Minimalist tattoos have been a trend for a while now, and have become part of the tattoo world in very striking ways.
Some clients prefer a more discreet tattoo with less complex designs, so this style is ideal for them.
But they also mean a great challenge for artists, since precision and well-defined lines in a single stroke are essential. This requires a lot of practice and skills in the wrists to use the machines and the needles.
Within minimalism, we can find several styles. As is the case with Fine Line tattoos, one of the most required that transcends generations.
Ready to discover the peculiarities of this style? Let's go!
What is minimalist style?
Minimalist tattoos have become the favourite of many people. The level of simplicity and discretion, as one of the reasons why many clients prefer them over others.
It's a style that seeks to identify itself by having its identity, which synthesizes figurative or abstract designs of all kinds in small sizes.
Although the lines may seem simple, the designs can be very elaborate. And synthesizing them requires a thorough analysis of objects and shapes.
These also called 'tiny tattoos', are very common on the wrists, forearms, above the elbows, behind the ears, ankles, and ribs.
What is Fine Line?
This style is for all tastes, and many people take it as a detail to decorate or perfect the look they want to wear or the fashion they are interested in.
Fine Line tattoos can be phrases, letters, drawings, or words that define the client in a personal aspect. In general, they are closely related to emotions and, although they are very subtle, they usually have a fairly strong symbolic meaning.
On the other hand, since they are fine lines and small designs, they can be an excellent option for clients who do not tolerate pain.
But they often pose challenges for tattoo artists who are just starting out in the craft, since they have a very high level of complexity and demand exhaustive determination in the strokes.
But why does this happen?
How are they made?
Artist Ferran Torre
Good technique and a lot of practice are essential to achieve well-defined, neat, and well-guided lines.
Usually, one, three, or even five round microneedles are used.
At first glance, they are simple designs because in themselves they do not have major design complications, nor are they typically combined with different techniques. Nevertheless, they are really difficult to achieve.
Keep in mind that the drawn line will be the only one in the tattoo and if it does not look good, the entire design will no longer look good. There is no margin for error here.
Therefore, to do them, you will need to be very clear about handling your equipment and know how the different types of skins behave and the areas of the body to be tattooed. And this is only given by experience.
On the other hand, apart from the machines, some artists perform them with the handpoke technique and achieve excellent results.
This may take a little longer to do, but it’s time gained by paying attention to every little detail and valuing, from another perspective, the craftsmanship in the art of tattooing.
Besides, handpoke tattoos have the advantage that they usually heal and withstand the test of time quite well.
Fine Line tattoos, do they fade faster?
Although all areas of the body would be acceptable for this type of tattoo, it is important to know where to tattoo it. Keep in mind that, as they are only subtle lines, often delicate and small, choosing an area with a lot of friction would not be ideal.
The good ageing of the tattoo and its durability over time will depend a lot on the area in which they are made and the care applied.
For example, the palms of the hands or on the feet would not be the most advisable area, since they would be more exposed to alterations and loss of pigmentation.
However, if you are a responsible tattooist, and you care about good execution and good results, you could guarantee fine lines that last over time.
In colour or with black ink?
In general, these types of tattoos are usually done with black inks and without many colours, since their simplicity is striking on its own, and this applies to colours. It is possible to find them in monochrome, that is, only in one colour.
Many clients and artists prefer black as the main thing in Fine Line tattoos, not to add more complexities to simple tattoos.
Fine Line Tattoos: Simple, Yet Complex
The options to make tattoos in a delicate and discreet way can be several. However, the Fine Line style is ideal for people who want to keep neatness and simplicity.
As we have mentioned, this style demands skilled strokes and involves complexity when making them, since a wrong stroke or a mistake could not be solved or covered up, and it would ruin the entire design.
It is an ideal option for clients of all types: people who are getting tattooed for the first time, clients who do not want to show off their tattoos that much, or people who look for a rather discreet and refined appearance.
In addition, they are a trend among people of all ages, especially among young people. One thing is for sure, Fine Line tattoos are here to stay.
What do you think of this style? Would you dare to tattoo it?
If you want to learn how to master the needles that characterize this style, take a look at our professional tattooing online courses.